Illustrative examples of what happiness means to me:
Compare/Contrast my experiences of happiness to Ch.1&2, the lecture, and our peer responses
“Positive psychology is the scientific study of what goes right in life, from birth to death and at all stops in between.” (Peterson, 2006, p. 5) I happen to agree with this statement, because everything that has happened/currently happening/happens in my life results in how I make my life better, or happy for myself. I wouldn’t be able to achieve happiness without the mistakes or tragedies in my life. I have had many obstacles, but I have chosen to overcome them by working harder, making me a stronger person. I also believe that without my belief in God, my life wouldn’t be the same. Praying every night, believing that a Higher Power exists further supports my definition of happiness, because at the end of the day I ask for help and strength.
Another statement I agreed with was that, “One of the solid findings of positive psychology is that an orientation to the welfare of others is in the long run more satisfying than an orientation to one’s own pleasure.” (Peterson, 2006, p. 40) This was something I realized in high school when I did academic mentoring one year. I worked inside a special education classroom and genuinely enjoyed it. I did so that much that I devoted my time the next year willingly. To this day, I fondly remember the things I did for the students inside the classroom, I had a lot of fun helping them understand their lessons. Philanthropy is a selfless gesture a person can do that doesn’t require money, but devoted time. It is different than seeing your favorite movie, or perhaps getting a video game that you’ve anxiously been waiting for because you’re not doing anything for another individual, instead it’s about you.
Positive psychology versus happiology, I find that in studying positive psychology it may help individuals understand what it means to be happy. It doesn’t mean to learn about the steps to achieving happiness, in other words being a robot. I happen to believe that it is nice to have guidance and to know that happiness comes in many forms, and can be achieved in numerous ways. It doesn’t need to be a lie either, because life/people can never be perfect.
As for my findings within my group as we surveyed fellow peers on campus, here were the findings: Most students claimed that to be happy is to be satisfied with yourself, being loved by others, being grateful with the things you have, sleeping, reading, laughing, consistency, financial stability, and connecting with others.
I found the answers my group and I received were very truthful, and comparable with my own beliefs. One difference was that no one mentioned their faith contributing to their happiness, but I understand. Religion has a tendency to invoke conflict. Some of the answers were also funny, simple and true, sleep is very underrated.
Finally, I like how it was stated that we never really have the time, but we need to make it. (Peterson, 2006, p. 22) I know I may have digressed here but this was a good point that was made, something we can all be accused of.
Citation
Peterson, C. (2006). A Primer in Positive Psychology. New York: Oxford University Press.
Ian's Blog 
Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed reading through what you defined as happiness and can agree with some of the points that you have made. The points in which I agree with you include that an individual “wouldn’t be able to achieve happiness without the mistakes or tragedies in [your] life” and that “happiness comes in many forms, and can be achieved in numerous ways”. I think these points say that life is not perfect and that one should not expect things to only go there way. Your points also take into consideration that all individuals are different and thus what one finds as bringing them happiness may not necessarily be what brings happiness to another person. Toward the end, you bring up that sometimes happiness requires time. Why do you think some people are hesitant to take that time, to do something that makes them happy and therefore something beneficial for their overall well-being? Personally, I believe that if an individual truly wants to do something, and most individuals do want happiness, then they should take the time to do whatever it is that leads them to happiness.
LikeLike
Thanks for your comment Martha. In answer to your question, this is purely my opinion, I believe people are hesitant to take the time to find happiness because it isn’t easy. Sometimes it’s not as obvious and you have to figure it out, or acceptance that it may even be unattainable, depending on the type of person you are of course and your situation. However, if a person wants it that bad, they won’t give up.
LikeLiked by 1 person